Often tucked into a sash or horseman’s boot, daggers in Mughal India displayed the wealth and power of their owners. The white jade hilt of this dagger is carved with flowers arranged in a formal pattern. A long serrated leaf runs the length of the hilt, following its curve; this curved shape, called a pistol grip, originated in the Deccan and first appeared in Mughal paintings during the reign of Shah Jahan, around the time in which this dagger was made.

Hambly, Gavin. Cities of Mughul India, Delhi Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. London, 1968. Related objects: fig. 89 (illustration of flowers on satin silk embroidered coat of first half of the 17th century in V&A, London. The flowers are similar to those on the sides of the dagger).